By the Numbers

Amazon's best books of 2014, so far

From hit biographies and political hot topics to breakthrough novels and trilogies, Amazon Books Editors share their picks for the best new titles of the year to help customers get the most out of the summer reading season.

This biography of the American master goes far beyond simple chronology of this complex (and often paradoxical) character, layering on the lit crit where his real life bled into his novels. Detailed and compulsively readable, Updike is essential for admirers, and illuminating for anyone with an interest in literature. Photo by Harper

Tom Tangney's Oscar predictions & who he thinks should winRecently, the Academy Awards have become more like coronations than competitions. So many award shows have already taken place by the time the Oscars come around, that the winners are mostly foregone conclusions. But not this year! There are legitimate toss-ups in three of the biggest categories - Best Picture, Best Actor, and Best Director.

Pizza perfection around SeattleTry not to drool on your keyboard. There may be New York, Chicago, and even California styles, but when it comes to finding pizza in Seattle you can get the best of all of them. These are some of our favorite spots to grab a slice or an entire pie for lunch, dinner or a late night snack.

10 reasons why we love living in SeattleIt's been a hard week for a lot of people in Seattle. But even if we're not a two-time Super Bowl Championship City, we shouldn't take anything for granted because Seattle is a great city. You could even say it's a (basically) blissful uptopia where everything is perfect all the time. Or at least, these 10 things are pretty great.